NEWSLETTER
Thursday, June 23, 2022
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A CUBA TRAVELOG
MAY 2022 - CONTINUED
Ah, the Cuban peso! During the almost 30 years we have been visiting our partner church in Cuba we have never been able to actually use the Cuban peso until this past visit in May. And then not much! When we first visited in 1994 and for a few years thereafter the U S dollar was the favored currency. Then the Cuban government had the ingenious idea of creating two Cuban pesos, one for the Cuban people (the Cuban peso) and one for foreigners visiting the country (the Convertible Cuban peso). The ingenuity was that the Cuban government charged about 20% to convert U S dollars to the Convertible Cuban peso even though it had no value in world currency markets. A pretty smart way for the government to make money off foreigners!
At some point in the recent past the government decided that for economic reasons it should do away with the Convertible Cuban peso and have a single currency, the Cuban peso. About this same time because of actions by the U S Treasury department it was no longer possible to legally convert U S dollars to the Cuban peso. So, it was necessary for our May visit that prior to leaving the United States we convert our U S dollars to euros and then convert the euros to the Cuban peso in Cuba (at the Cuban government rate of course) for spending in Cuba. Oh, and upon our arrival in Cuba we were told that on the Cuban black market in recent times the U S dollar is trading into the Cuban peso at almost three times that of the euro. Go figure!
Ok, so anyway, we got our euros here and converted some into the Cuban peso in Cuba, all ready to finally spend a Cuban peso in Cuba. Not so fast! It seemed that so many of the places we went, in order to buy anything, you had to have a Cuban bank card where euros had been converted and put on the card. And apparently foreigners couldn’t get that card. The good ole Cuban peso cash didn’t seem to work much, mostly only for meals at the paladars (private restaurants) or if you were buying something on the street.
So, when we arrived at the airport to fly back to the U S, we still had a good many Cuban pesos we had not been able to spend. After going through immigration and security we spotted the airport bar and decided to have a beer and spend a few of those left-over Cuban pesos. Of course not. On pulling out our Cuban pesos to pay, the attendant said they accepted only euros or Canadian dollars! So, these Cuban pesos are still burning holes in our pocket until our next visit when hopefully we can find somewhere to spend them.
By the way, I did have a few euros left so we did get our beer.
Ah, Cuba. You got to roll with the punches!
Craig Henry
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Join us for Worship
Sunday, June 26, 2022
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Dr. Darrell Cluck preaches:
Faith Enough
Click the photo to view our Sunday service
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SUNDAY, June 26, 2022
Opening Hymn: God Is Here! As We your People Meet
Though he retired in1969, Fred Pratt Green, a distinguished British poet continued to write hymns until his death in 2000. In addition to administering several circuits and local congregations. He also published plays, translations, and poems. Emory University in Atlanta awarded him with an honorary doctorate.
The hymn is set to the tune, ABBOT’S LEIGH by
Cyril V. Taylor, 1941.
Hymn: Great Is Your Faithfulness
This hymn was one of a number sent by poet Thomas O. Chisholm to composer William M. Runyan for musical settings. It became a favorite of Will Houghton, president of Moody Bible Institute, whose enthusiasm helped establish its popularity. The tune, FAITHFULNESS, was written for this hymn by Runyan in 1923.
Gospel Acclamation/After Gospel: This is Good News
We listen to the Good News from God…We listen as God speaks to us through the Word. Praise be to you, O Christ.
Anthem : Beloved, Let Us Love One Another
DH Clark set these beautiful words to music for the Northminster choir in May 2000 and made a revision in 2012. The text comes from 1 John 4: 7 – 12 but serves us well for this service. “The one who does not love does not know God….For God is Love…”
Communion Anthem: Where Shall I Go from Your Spirit
American composer, Kenney Potter, set this wonderful text to music reminding us that no matter where we are, God is there. The scripture is from Psalm 139:7-12.
Closing Hymn: Earth and All Stars
Herbert Frederick Brokering, a Lutheran pastor with German roots, was an author and poet. He is best known for this hymn, written in 1964, and Alleluia! Christ is Risen. David N. Johnson wrote the tune, DEXTER, in 1968 and set these inspiring words to music. Johnson was the former chair of the music department at St. Olaf College.
Our worship promises to remind us of the unfailing love of our God and allows us to renew our faith in this love. Pacem,
Debi
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The Prayers of the People |
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We pray alongside.....
The oppression and suffering of the innocents in war torn countries.
Those with unspoken prayer requests.
New Pastor Jillian Hankamer, as she and her husband Erich prepare to move to Louisiana in July.
The Snellings Family, in the death of George Snellings, IV
Hugh Chandler, father of Debi Chandler, advanced Alzheimer's.
Sister of Tim Jaquess (Sammye) recovering from brain surgery, soon to be moved from rehab to assisted living and will follow up with radiation treatments for remaining tumors.
Judy Eddington, dealing with a serious medical condition.
Dibble Pate, recovering from hip surgery in the Guesthouse, Room 500 in West Monroe. Dibble is now accepting calls and visitors. Her landline number is 318-362-5903.
Tracy and Mary Sandow dealing with serious medical issues.
Our friends and sister church, Iglesia Bautista Enmanuel in Ciego de Avila, Cuba experiencing many economic hardships.
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The Celebrations of the People |
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We celebrate alongside.....
Marilyn Decker (24th), Stephen Payne (26th), Larry Prather (27th), Claire Carrington (27th), Ray Roberson (29th), and Sherry Free (30th) as they celebrate their birthdays.
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June Mission Trunk Emphasis:
Ronald McDonald House
June’s Mission focus is the Ronald McDonald House, of which we have been a long-time supporter, and hope to see an abundance of generosity toward.
Needs: Liquid hand soap, dishwasher detergent, Air Freshener spray, Liquid Laundry detergent, Chlorine Bleach, Dryer Sheets, 40w/60w Light Bulbs, Mailing and Duct Tape, Velcro, Scotch Tap, Reams of Paper, Postage Stamps, Toilet Paper, Toilet Cleaners/brushes, Swiffer/Wet Mop pads, Disposable latex gloves, Aluminum foil/plastic wrap, SOS pads. Kitchen Needs: Paper Plates, Paper Towels, Napkins, Plastic Storage bags (all sizes). Personal Items: Brushes, Combs, Toothbrushes, Toothpaste (travel size), Deodorant (travel size), soap, shampoo, conditioner (small sizes). Room Needs: Blankets, Fitted Sheets (white), games, movies, books, art supplies, blank greeting cards, blank journals. Miscellaneous Items: gift cards for local grocery stores, gas stations, Walmart, Target.
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Commissions: 2023 Budget Review
By now every member of each commission should have received by email the information needed to plan their 2023 budget. These items included (1) the most recent financial report for this year, (2) the end of year (2021) financial report from Connie, and (3) your worksheet for 2023. Your proposed budget is due in the church office by Sunday, July 31.
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Northminster COVID Information
Northminster follows state and CDC guidelines and accordingly recommends that if you are at high risk for severe illness - talk to your healthcare provider about whether you need to wear a mask and take other precautions; stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines; and get tested if you have symptoms. Immune compromised and unvaccinated individuals, and anyone experiencing cold or other illness symptoms continue to wear masks during our services.
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Northminster Book Club June 28
Thursday, June 28 at 6pm in the home of Camille Peterson the Northminster Book Club will meet for potluck and discussion on this month's book, "The Midnight Library" by Matt Haig. If you would like to join the Book Club, contact Debi at chandler@ulm.edu
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The Northminster Arts Commission Presents:
Ella Mayfield Art Exhibit
The art on display in the Narthex is the work of artist Ella Mayfield. A recent graduate of West Ouachita High School, Ella will be attending the University of New Orleans in the fall. Ella attends Northminster and is the daughter of Beth and Damon Mayfield. The exhibit will run through July 15th.
From the Artist:
“My art uses expressions and vivid color in order to exhibit the emotion of the subjects, whether they be people or animals. I gravitate towards portraits because there is beauty in each person’s uniqueness, and I am able to portray them in ways that show what they care for and how they present themselves. Some of my works allow for me to explore different kinds of art and ways of putting down color. Mixed media art brings out different textures and creates intriguing and unique representations of reality. No matter what form I create art in, the process allows for me to interpret the world around me and create pieces that bring emotion to those viewing them. Art has always been an important part of my life. I began my immersion into the subject as a young child painting at my grandmother’s kitchen table, and I look forward to progressing and finding new ways to express creativity.” -Ella Mayfield
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Given to the Glory of God
The floral offering Sunday was given to the Glory of God and in honor of Bill Kight. Arrangement by Peggy Caskey.
If you would like to give flowers in memory or in honor of someone, please contact the church office. Approximate cost is $100.
**Due to budget constraints, flowers during the summer months will grace the altar if given in memory or in honor of loved ones.
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Upcoming Events
This Sunday
9:00 am - Choir Practice
10:00 am - Sunday School for Children (K-5),
Youth, and Adults
10:45 am - Preludes
11:00 am - Sunday Morning Liturgy
YOUTH: Check our Instagram page for any upcoming summer activities!
Wednesdays
6:30 pm - Choir practice. Beginning July 6, choir will not meet during the month of July but will still meet Sunday mornings at 9am
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Pulpit Supply Schedule
June
26 - Dr. Darrell Cluck
July
3 - Dr. Welton Gaddy
10 - Dr. Welton Gaddy
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Of Interest in the Community |
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CA Studio in Collaboration with Strauss Theatre Center presents: Stoneface: The Rise and Fall and Rise of Buster Keaton
Performance Dates: July 14-16 2022
Directed by Cathy Airhart Webb. Justin Havard is the Piano Player (silent film accompanist) and Pat Hayes is doing costumes.
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If you have found a space of community, or healing, or hope at Northminster and believe in the work we are doing, please consider supporting us financially so that we will be able to continue creating spaces like this in all the days to come.
To support Northminster financially, you can click here, or scan the QR code with the camera on your phone.
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Northminster Church is located at:
2701 Lamy Lane
Monroe, LA 71201
318-388-3717
office@northmin.org
Temporary Church Office Hours:
Tues -Thurs 9am to 4 pm
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